Python’s interactive shell provides a convenient environment for experimenting with code, testing expressions, examining objects and exploring libraries without having to create a complete program. This makes it useful for beginners learning Python as well as experienced developers debugging applications or investigating unfamiliar APIs.
The standard Python interpreter includes an interactive Read-Eval-Print Loop (REPL). Its capabilities have improved significantly, particularly with the introduction of a more sophisticated interactive interface. Nevertheless, alternative shells offer additional functionality that can make interactive programming considerably more productive.
These enhancements include syntax highlighting, intelligent code completion, multiline editing, persistent command histories, function introspection and integration with debugging tools. Some shells also support execution timing, system commands and custom keyboard shortcuts.
There are both terminal-based and graphical options. Terminal shells are particularly convenient for developers working remotely or spending much of their time at the command line. Graphical consoles provide capabilities such as inline plots, integrated editors and richer visual output.
Fortunately, there are some excellent alternative Python shells that extend on the basic shell. They each offer a good interactive Python experience. Here’s our verdict captured in the chart below.
Click the links in the table below to learn more about each shell.
| Open Source Python Shells | |
|---|---|
| IPython | Enhanced interactive Python shell |
| ptpython | Advanced Python Read-Eval-Print Loop |
| bpython | Fancy interface to the Python interpreter |
| IDLE | Integrated development environment for Python |
| Jupyter QtConsole | Graphical console for working interactively with Jupyter kernels |
| mypython | Interactive Python shell with syntax highlighting and completion |
| DreamPie | Python shell which is designed to be reliable and fun |
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